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Horse world

Published 10-Aug-2015

'Pledge to share your passion' urges new nationwide campaign

By Stephanie Bateman

While riders know all about the physical, emotional and social benefits of spending time with horses, a new campaign urges them to share their passion with those who don’t.

Launched by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) the empowering new campaign is called 'This Girl Can Ride' and encourages women (particularly those aged +26) to discover a love of horses.

The campaign has three exciting elements:

1st September: TV show

The campaign launches on 1st September with the screening of a new programme on Horse and Country TV. Titled Grassroots Dreams, the show follows the experiences of three riders who have recently returned to the saddle and their journeys to qualify for the Your Horse Equine Sport UK Championship Show. All three are reaping the benefits of their new found relationship with horses and share their stories on the show.

August: riders' Facebook pledge

From the end of August, the BEF is urging riders to commit to introducing their non-riding friends to horses. Whether it’s a visit to the stables, a spot of grooming, or accompanying them to their first riding lesson; a new Facebook campaign will urge riders to sign up to a pledge to get a friend involved, and to share their experiences. The campaign will run on facebook.com/hoofride and features a series of inspiring images that capture what riding has to offer.

13th September: Give Horses a Go Day

And then, on Sunday 13th September, the BEF launches the first annual Give Horses a Go Day. More than 40 BEF approved riding schools are taking part, each offering FREE sessions for beginners. Anyone is welcome to attend and the sessions will include a chance to meet and bond with horses at the stables, as well as a chance to try riding for the first time. Yards nationwide are involved and a full list can be found on www.hoofride.co.uk.

'This Girl Can Ride' is endorsed and supported by Sport England and its popular 'This Girl Can' campaign, which aims to get all women and girls moving, regardless of their shape, size or ability. To date the campaign has already captured large audiences, with 13 million people viewing the flagship 'This Girl Can' film online.

Speaking for the BEF, Head of Participation Anna Hall says: "Sport England is doing a great job in encouraging women to take part in physical exercise, and as part of the riding community we have an important role to play. Some exercise improves fitness, some relieves stress, some gets you out in the open air – but we believe that horse riding delivers all that and more! We know how passionate riders are about their sport, and if each one of us could share that enthusiasm with one non-horsey friend then we have the opportunity to introduce millions more women to riding.

"We are a sport with great female role models and lots of active female participation," Anna concludes, "so we are urging all riders to sign up to the pledge and get a friend off the sofa and down to the stables."

For more information about the campaign and details about how to sign up to a free taster session, please visit: www.hoofride.co.uk

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